The current Toi Pōneke Abel Smith Street premises will close early June 2026 to coincide with the new site opening at 3-6 Market Lane – located in part of the iconic building on the corner of Cable Street and Market Lane.
Wellington City Council has operated Toi Pōneke Arts Centre in Abel Smith Street since 2005. It was opened to support the Wellington creative sector, providing temporary rental space for artist studios and offices, residencies, and a programme of exhibitions and events.
As Toi Pōneke Arts Centre celebrates its 20th birthday in September 2025, the Market Lane 20-year lease ensures that the service will continue to provide support to Wellington creatives.
A new vision and tuakana-teina kaupapa was developed for Toi Pōneke last year.
The Market Lane premises will play an integral role in bringing the new vision and kaupapa to life. It will be a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive space that nurtures collaboration, creativity and cultural exchange between artists, and welcomes visitors and supporters from the community, says Deputy Mayor Laurie Foon.
“The new Toi Pōneke Arts Centre will provide enhanced facilities, directly supporting Wellington artists with the space and resources they need to create and innovate.
“We want our city to thrive as the creative capital so providing space that will inspire new collaborations, nurture emerging talent, and be a place for artists to flourish, for years to come is vital,” adds Deputy Mayor Foon.
Toi Pōneke activities align with the outcomes of Council’s Tākai Here partnership agreement and Tūpiki Ora Strategy, and everything Toi Pōneke does contributes to the outcomes of the Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy.